The former Heritage Academy standout was at his home in nearby Columbus when he received the news.

"One of my friends' mom called my mom and she told me," Swedenburg said. "At first I didn't believe her because I thought it was a rumor especially after the Egg Bowl score. But I went on the internet and found out."

While he was let down by Croom's departure, Swedenburg stated that he would still enroll as a full-time student in January and join the team in spring practice.